Monitoring the Changing World

National identities and value change in Europe

In his new book The Hidden Wealth of Nations (2010, Polity) David Halpern argues, primarily for Europe based on survey evidence, that despite ‘globalisation’ there are tendencies toward diverging values between countries, and converging values within countries. He sees this as evidence for the enduring significance of national identities, as a kind of social capital that can enhance national well being (see pp 110-116). You might want to check it out. For more on the book: